Officials say the ship had become disabled and its sister ship was towing it.

WSJ: Snowstorm spares DC, heads toward New England

And that came after the cruise line switched the ship's towing destination from Progreso, Mexico, to Mobile.

NPR: Carnival Cancels 12 More Cruises On Troubled Ship

The Christos XXII was hit by a ship it was towing, which caused a 40cm (16ins) gash in the hull.

BBC: Stricken diesel tug reaches Portland for repairs

Tugboats are towing the ship to Mobile, Alabama, where it is expected Thursday.

FORBES: Dead Cruise Ship, Clogged Toilets, Scant Food, No Carnival